Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. Jonah, however, got up to flee to TarshishJonah's decision to flee is significant as it demonstrates a direct act of disobedience to God's command. Tarshish is often identified with a distant location, possibly in Spain, representing the farthest known point in the ancient world. This choice underscores Jonah's intent to escape as far as possible from his divine mission. His actions contrast with the typical prophetic response of obedience, highlighting his reluctance and fear. away from the presence of the LORD
The phrase "away from the presence of the LORD" indicates Jonah's attempt to escape God's omnipresence, which is a theological impossibility. This reflects a misunderstanding or denial of God's nature, as seen in Psalm 139:7-10, which affirms that one cannot flee from God's presence. Jonah's actions symbolize a spiritual rebellion and a desire to avoid accountability. He went down to Joppa
Joppa, a port city on the Mediterranean Sea, serves as a geographical point of departure for Jonah's flight. Historically, Joppa was a significant maritime hub, facilitating trade and travel. Jonah's descent to Joppa is both literal and metaphorical, indicating a downward spiritual trajectory away from God's will. and found a ship bound for Tarshish
The availability of a ship bound for Tarshish suggests the regularity of trade routes and maritime commerce in the ancient world. This detail emphasizes Jonah's determination to pursue his own path, as he actively seeks out a means to escape. The ship represents Jonah's chosen vehicle of disobedience, contrasting with the divine mission he was given. So he paid the fare and went aboard
Jonah's payment of the fare signifies his commitment to his decision, investing in his rebellion. This act of purchasing passage can be seen as a metaphor for the cost of disobedience, both financially and spiritually. Jonah's willingness to pay reflects his resolve to distance himself from God's command. to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD
The repetition of Jonah's intent to flee "away from the presence of the LORD" reinforces the futility of his actions. It highlights the central theme of the narrative: human attempts to evade divine will are ultimately in vain. This phrase bookends the verse, emphasizing Jonah's persistent, albeit misguided, effort to escape God's call. Persons / Places / Events 1. JonahA prophet of God, called to deliver a message to Nineveh, but chooses to flee instead. 2. TarshishA distant location, often associated with the farthest reaches of the known world, symbolizing Jonah's attempt to escape God's call. 3. JoppaA port city where Jonah finds a ship to Tarshish, representing a point of decision and departure from God's directive. 4. The ShipRepresents Jonah's chosen means of escape, highlighting his determination to avoid God's command. 5. The Presence of the LORDIndicates God's omnipresence and the futility of trying to escape His will. Teaching Points The Futility of Running from GodJonah's attempt to flee illustrates the impossibility of escaping God's presence and plan. We must recognize that God's reach is infinite, and His purposes will prevail. The Cost of DisobedienceJonah's journey to Tarshish required him to pay a fare, symbolizing the personal cost of running from God's will. Disobedience often leads to unnecessary burdens and consequences. God's Sovereign CallDespite Jonah's reluctance, God's call remains steadfast. This teaches us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human resistance, and He often uses even our disobedience to fulfill His plans. The Importance of Immediate ObedienceJonah's account encourages us to respond promptly to God's directives. Delayed obedience can lead to complications and missed opportunities for blessing. Reflecting on Our Own TarshishWe should examine areas in our lives where we might be fleeing from God's call, seeking comfort or escape rather than fulfilling His will. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some modern-day "Tarshish" destinations that people might flee to in order to avoid God's call, and how can we recognize them in our own lives? 2. How does Jonah's account challenge us to consider the cost of disobedience in our personal walk with God? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are sensitive and responsive to God's call, avoiding the pitfalls of delayed obedience? 4. How does the account of Jonah illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in His plans? 5. Reflect on a time when you tried to "flee" from a difficult task or calling. What did you learn from that experience, and how can Jonah's account inform your future decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 139:7-10This passage speaks to the impossibility of fleeing from God's presence, reinforcing the futility of Jonah's attempt. Acts 10:5-6Peter's vision in Joppa, where he receives a divine message, contrasts with Jonah's disobedience, showing Joppa as a place of significant spiritual encounters. Matthew 12:39-41Jesus references Jonah, highlighting his account as a sign of repentance and foreshadowing Christ's own death and resurrection. | Faithless to a High Vocation | T. T. Carter. | Jonah 1:3 | | Fatal Success | James Simpson. | Jonah 1:3 | | Jonah the Fugitive | G.T. Coster | Jonah 1:3 | | Jonah's Failure | Matthew M. Preston, M. A. | Jonah 1:3 | | Jonah's Flight | T. Kelly. | Jonah 1:3 | | Jonah's Motive in His Flight | Thomas Harding. | Jonah 1:3 | | Jonah's Soft-Persuasions to Disobedience | A. Raleigh, D. D. | Jonah 1:3 | | Jonah's Soft-Will | A. Raleigh, D. D. | Jonah 1:3 | | Lifes Fare | Homiletic Review | Jonah 1:3 | | Neglect of Christian Duty | W. Rodwell. | Jonah 1:3 | | One Virtue Cannot Atone for a Wicked Course | Homiletic Magazine | Jonah 1:3 | | Paying the Fare | John A. Macfadyen. | Jonah 1:3 | | Sinful Pleasures Dear Bought | James Simpson. | Jonah 1:3 | | Sorrow Follows Disobedience | George Eliot. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Disobedient Act | J. O. Keen, D. D. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Fugitive from Duty | W. Holderness. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Natural Disposition of Jonah | James Simpson. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Prophet's Disobedience | Sermons by Monday Club | Jonah 1:3 | | The Prophet's Disobedience | A. Rowland | Jonah 1:3 | | The Refusal to Obey a God-Given Charge | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Runaway Prophet | James Menzies. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Story of Jonah | Henry C. M'Cook, D. D. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Unfaithful Prophet | R. A. Bedford, M. A. | Jonah 1:3 | | The Unwisdom of Disobedience | Christian Age | Jonah 1:3 | | A Despicable Deserter | J.E. Henry | Jonah 1:1-3 | | God Speaking to Man in Mercy, and Man Fleeing from God in Disobedience | D. Thomas | Jonah 1:1-3 | | Jonah | H. J. Foster. | Jonah 1:1-3 | | Jonah Regarded as a Type | James Simpson. | Jonah 1:1-3 | | Jonah, the Runaway Prophet | J. O. Keen, D. D. | Jonah 1:1-3 | | Jonah's Call and Flight | W.G. Blaikie | Jonah 1:1-3 | | The Behests of God | Joseph Parker, D. D. | Jonah 1:1-3 | | The Character of Jonah | R. A. Redford, M. A. | Jonah 1:1-3 |
People Amittai, Jonah, TarshishPlaces Joppa, Mount Esau, Nineveh, TarshishTopics Aboard, Board, Bound, Face, Fare, Findeth, Flee, Flight, Giveth, Got, Headed, Jonah, Joppa, Journey, Paid, Paying, Port, Presence, Price, Ran, Riseth, Rose, Sailed, Ship, Tarshish, ThereofDictionary of Bible Themes Jonah 1:3 5407 merchants
6109 alienation Jonah 1:1-3 1055 God, grace and mercy
4926 delay, human
5714 men
7758 preachers, call
8410 decision-making, examples Jonah 1:1-6 8616 prayerlessness Jonah 1:1-10 5178 running Jonah 1:3-5 5587 trade Jonah 1:3-15 5517 seafaring Library Guilty Silence and Its Reward
Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2. Arise, go to Nineveh, that great, city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me. 3. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. 4. But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureChristian Graces.
FAITH. FAITH! Peter saith, faith, in the very trial of it, is much more precious than gold that perisheth. If so, what is the worth or value that is in the grace itself? Faith is so great an artist in arguing and reasoning with the soul, that it will bring over the hardest heart that it hath to deal with. It will bring to my remembrance at once, both my vileness against God, and his goodness towards me; it will show me, that though I deserve not to breathe in the air, yet God will have me an heir …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by drawing lots is not unlawful, because a gloss of Augustine on Ps. 30:16, "My lots are in Thy hands," says: "It is not wrong to cast lots, for it is a means of ascertaining the divine will when a man is in doubt." Objection 2: There is, seemingly, nothing unlawful in the observances which the Scriptures relate as being practiced by holy men. Now both in the Old and in the New Testament we find holy men practicing the casting of lots. For it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jonah
The book of Jonah is, in some ways, the greatest in the Old Testament: there is no other which so bravely claims the whole world for the love of God, or presents its noble lessons with so winning or subtle an art. Jonah, a Hebrew prophet, is divinely commanded to preach to Nineveh, the capital of the great Assyrian empire of his day. To escape the unwelcome task of preaching to a heathen people, he takes ship for the distant west, only to be overtaken by a storm, and thrown into the sea, when, by …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jonah 1:3 NIVJonah 1:3 NLTJonah 1:3 ESVJonah 1:3 NASBJonah 1:3 KJV
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